Vessel, and systems and methods of design, manufacturing, storage, transportation, use, disposal, form and/or function of a vessel, and reversible/revisable/renewable/transformable materials and companion products and packaging cycles

ABSTRACT

A product, such as a vessel and methods related to product/vessel design, use, transportation and/or storage are provided. An improved product/vessel form, and methods related thereto, provide significant functional advantages with respect to the manufacturing, storage, transportation, use and/or disposal of the product/vessel. Improved systems and methods of design, manufacturing, storage, transportation, use, disposal, form and/or function of a product/vessel are provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 119(e) toco-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 62/583,944,filed Nov. 9, 2017, and 62/612,255, filed Dec. 29, 2017, and is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. Design Application No. 29/646,380, filedMay 3, 2018, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to the form andfunction of a vessel (such as a water bottle or other similarcontainer). More specifically, embodiments of the present inventionrelate to an improved vessel form, and methods related thereto, thatprovides significant functional advantages with respect to themanufacturing, storage, transportation, use and/or “disposal” (forpurposes of the instant disclosure, the term “disposal” encompasses anyactivities of disposal, reclamation, recycling, reformulation, reuse,repurposing, or other post-initial-use disposition) of the vessel, andsystems and methods of design, manufacturing, storage, transportation,use, disposal, form and/or function of a vessel. Other embodiments ofthe present invention relate generally to materials commonly used forproduct packaging and/or products that have relatively short life-cycles(e.g. disposable products, such as bottled water, etc.). Morespecifically, embodiments of the present invention relate toreversible/revisable/renewable/transformable and/orcontrolled/controllable-lifecycle, or controlled release materials, suchas polymers, composites, compounds, metals, or other complex materials,and companion product cycles for such materials.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Historically, water bottles have been round in shape, with recent‘square’ variants with the advent of plastic bottles. One notable‘iconic’ exception to the ‘round’ rule, is the hour-glass shaped ‘Coke’bottle, long in use by the Coco Cola company. At all times to date, theshape of a bottle for human consumables, such as water, has been eitherfor convenience of manufacture, appearance, or for iconic recognition.For example, the ‘square with rounded edges’ form of the FIJI plasticwater bottle carries with it a significant branding recognition.Notwithstanding, little if any consideration has been made, to date, forfunctional advantages in manufacturing, storage, transportation, useand/or disposal of the bottle design beyond brand recognition or themere function of ‘holding’ a liquid. Certainly the iconic ‘Coke’ bottleeschews any visual or stated mission of storage or functionality beyondthat of iconic trade dressing, trademark or patent of its ‘unique’esthetics. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a bottle or othervessel form that provides significant functional advantages with respectto the manufacturing, storage, transportation, use and/or disposal ofthe bottle.

With the advent of the ‘plastic’ portable water bottle, huge energyrequirements have been brought to bare in regards to the making, storingand transporting¹ of the product of convenience: bottled water. In thecase of shipment, weight volume, and density carry a burden of economy.For example, with respect to traditional potato chips that havesignificant product irregularity within a single bag of product, theyare as a product, extremely light and thus necessarily have a requisiteexcessive inherent ‘free space’ requirement of packaging. Though theweight and volume of both the product and packaging is negligible, inthe case of potato chips, shelf space, storage space and transport spaceis inherently and excessively ‘voluminous.’ This can provide challenges,in particular in storage and transportation. The space that a typicalbag of chips occupies is considerably high compared to weight, taking upmore space on shelves for storage and in trucks during transportation.As a result trucks carrying a load of potato chips are so light thatthey are often easily blown off of windy highways. Alternatively, in thecase of ‘Pringles’, the chips are processed into a consistent size andshape that stacks on top of one another, rather than varying sizedsliced potatoes. The ‘volume’ of packaging is engineered to be minimizedby varying the product itself to a standardized shape andinterrelationship of individual elements. As a result, Pringle® chipscan be more densely packed for storage and transportation, reducing therisk of trucks blowing off the road, as well as decreasing overallstorage and transportation costs. The Pringle® example, re-engineersonly the made-product to fit a conventional standardized cylindricalpackaging, storage and transportation form and strategy, but does NOTre-engineer the vessel of containment itself. While semi-trailer trucksof Pringles® may be less likely to blow off the highways of windyWestern Kansas because of the increased weight and density per unitvolume of ‘potato chip’ formatting, the space between the Pringles® cansin bulk packaging is still a waste of space requiring cartage.Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a vessel form that providessignificant functional advantages with respect to the manufacturing,storage, transportation, use and/or disposal of the vessel, and systemsand methods of design, manufacturing, storage, transportation, use,disposal, form and/or function of a vessel. See e.g. The Military'sReliance on Bottle Water during Military Operations, Masters Thesis ofMoore, James S., LTC(P), USA, dated Jun. 17, 2011, available athttp://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a545433.pdf.

In recent times, global consciousness has focused on wellness, andsocially/environmentally-friendly products and packaging. Increasedconsumerism and consumer mobility have created large amounts ofpackaging waste. Recent shifts from local consumer shopping to homedelivery has necessarily destined increased packaging waste. To dateincreased social activism has focused on employing ‘renewable resources’and ‘re-cycling’ primarily by repurposing the materials of packaging totry to manage the waste of contemporary living. Such methods embodyinherent increased hauling, sorting, reclamation, etc., consequences.

To deal with the conundrum of politics and business in sensitive times,product/packaging companies have adopted inspiring Nature-centric and/orHuman-sensitive trade dressing initiatives to imbed contemporarycaring/philanthropic corporate images and prowess in marketing andconsumer education. To date, Nature-centric interests ofproduct/packaging have focused on renewable resources (near-termagriculture biomass sources) rather than traditional resources(long-term ancient fossil biomass sources). By way of example,companies, such as Coca Cola's Dansani Water have recently embraced bothNature-centric and Human-sensitive trade dressing by adopting a plasticbottle made from 30% renewable ‘plant’ sourced (Nature-centric) rawmaterial to carry ‘processed’ water. Other companies use ‘Human-centric’or ‘Human-sensitive’ trade dressing to market the fact that they donatea portion of the proceeds from sales of their products to environmentalcauses. While the marketing promotes an industry cycle-logo centered ona plant leaf, the product does not ‘re-imagine’ the plastic bottle intoa transformative product & packaging, but rather ‘manages’ the plasticbottle by giving it desirable trade dressing and contemporary‘caring/philanthropic’ corporate imaging. Packaging such as the Dasaniwater bottle does not in any way materially transform or elementallymaintain the product within, or favorably affect the energy requirementsof waste management of post-consumer consumption. While the Dasanimarketing promotes corporate responsibility, the reality is their Dasanipackaging recycling requirements perpetuate the same unbridled energyrequirements of hauling, sorting, recycling/repurposing of the priorart. Highways, byways and shorelines worldwide are littered with allmanner of un-recycled/un-repurposed plastic waste, including Dansaniwater bottles complete with the Nature-sensitive logos.

In former times before the great ‘Soda Wars’ of recent times, soft-drinkglass bottle packaging carried with it/them State-specific tariffsimprinted on the side that encouraged consumer or scavengercollection/re-use of the containers by the originating company. In morerecent times, aluminum packaging, whose material resource requiredinternational importation, carried similar recycling tariffs thatincentivized recycling for consumer cash. In recent times, moreaffordable plastic packaging has escaped a pre-planned recycling plan,and has eschewed product-packaging innovation, effectively housing theproduct for a specified shelf life inherent to the packaged items. Inthis case, all manner of environmental responsibility has beensidestepped in the race for sales and product turns.

While great strides have been made in packaging quality and consistencyto do the specific container job, e.g., safe preservation, etc.,packaging, Compangineering™, for ‘inherently imputing’ for thebetterment/enhancement of the product short or long term, or reducingenergy needs of recycling/repurposing, has been largely ignored in theprior art in the race for ever-changing product and packaging prowess.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide reversible, controllable and/orcontrolled release materials, such as polymers, composites, compounds,metals, or other complex materials, and companion product cycles forsuch materials, wherein the life cycle of the product/packaging iscontemplated and cooperatively planned as part of the original designprocess (“Compangineering™”).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the instant invention provide a vessel form that providessignificant functional advantages with respect to the manufacturing,storage, transportation, use and/or disposal of the vessel, and systemsand methods of design, manufacturing, storage, transportation, use,disposal, form and/or function of a vessel. In some embodiments, thevessel is in the form of a bottle for a liquid, such as water or otherbeverages. In some embodiments, the vessel is formed to have apurposeful geometric form. In some such embodiments, the geometric formis generally a triangular cross-sectional shape. In other embodiments,other cross-sectional shapes (e.g. rectilinear, round or square) nowknown or hereafter developed are utilized in a purposeful manner tofunctional advantages with respect to the manufacturing, storage,transportation, use and/or disposal of the vessel. In some embodiments,the vessel includes internal and/or external integral structural nuancesthat may provide aesthetic benefits but that also have functionalbenefits/purposes (e.g. to enhance strength or support the shape of thevessel). In some such embodiments, internal features includecorrugation, thickened areas of material at corners or other strategiclocations, fins, etc. In some such embodiments, the exterior surface ofthe vessel is generally smooth to increase efficiencies ofstorage/transportation, etc. In some embodiments, the contents of thevessel aid in maintaining the shape, structure, or other functionalityof the vessel. In some such embodiments, the vessel is designedpurposefully to utilize the contents to help maintain the shape,structure, or other functionality of the vessel. In some embodiments,the shape of the vessel changes when the contents are removed. In someembodiments, when the contents of the vessel are removed, such actionacts as a trigger to initiate a transformation of the composition of thevessel. In some embodiments the vessel is designed purposefully tocontract in size (e.g. for increased efficiency/reduction of energy inrecycling) upon removal of the product/contents from the vessel. In somesuch embodiments, the contraction of the materials of the vessel resultin a shape/form that requires less energy for further recycling,reclamation, or other repurposing/use of the vessel. In someembodiments, the vessel is in a contracted state following manufactureof the vessel, aiding in more efficient storage and transport until thevessel is filled with product. In such embodiments, upon filing of thevessel with product (e.g. water), the vessel expands in shape. In somesuch embodiments, the vessel contracts to its original shape when theproduct is removed. In other embodiments, removal of the product resultsin contraction to a different shape from the original shape anddifferent from the filled shape. In some embodiments the vessel isdesigned using a ‘Compangineering’ process as further described in U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/583,944, filed Nov. 9, 2017,the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Insome such embodiments, the vessel is designed as part of the life-cyclewith shipping, disposal and/or storage functionality being contemplatedas part of the initial design.

In some embodiments, the vessel of the inventive concept is made from ablow molding process. In other embodiments, other manufacturingmethodologies are utilized. For example, with respect to the triangularand/or rectilinear cross section embodiments of the inventive concept,some embodiments are manufactured from flat sheets or films of materialthat are formed to the triangular and/or rectangular shape and weldedalong the seam. In some such embodiments, the bottom and/or top of thevessel is made in a manner similar to that of paper milk cartons.

Applying the process of WellWater® ‘Compangineering’, both the productand packaging benefits from all matters of product, packaging, storageand transport being considered simultaneously. In the case of the WellWater® vessels, all manner of the final form and function is scrutinizedsimultaneously with the product and its purveyance/conveyance. In someembodiments, the final form and function is also scrutinizedsimultaneously with the method of disposal for the vessel. The ‘bottle’for WellWater® is a strategy that has implications far beyond thestorage of water, but instead is an entirely new study of economy ofenergy and entropy of storage and conveyance applicable to manyconsumables. In the case of WellWater® ‘bottle’, the ergonomics of humanmanipulation and use is considered as a starting point in the design forCompangineering®. That is not to say that such Compangineering® requiresany staring point of imagination of creation, but rather it is to saythat possibly it is a reasonable point of view for ingenuity and newart. In other words, in some embodiments, the method of design of thevessels of the inventive concept includes steps of evaluating variousone or more stages during the life cycle of the vessel. For example, thetriangular and rectilinear cross section bottles of embodiments of theinventive concept take into account during the design process thefunction benefits of the design for storage, transportation, and use(grip-ability).

In the case of a water bottle, it is understood via prior art that abottle could be a large bottle intended for multiple servings use and/ormultiple individual servings for individual use. Large water vessels ofprior art may be of ‘other forms’, such as large boxes with grip-ablesquared corners and/or large rounded vessel with grip-able handleseither an integrated part of the packaging and/or an added appendage.Indeed, from antiquity, terracotta vessels with handles have beencommonly used for the transport and/or storage of water and oils formillennia. Moreover, individual rounded and squared water bottles forindividual use are also known in conventional prior art. In the case ofsome embodiments of the instant inventive concept, a WellWater® waterbottle intended for individual and singular use, the visible externalergonomics of form and function will play an important role in not onlyuse of the encapsulated product, but also recognition of the productitself (e.g. the unique shape is distinctive), ad modem the iconic Cokebottle. Nevertheless, beyond simple recognition such as the Coke bottlein a ‘branding’ mission for the contents within the bottle, recognizableform and function will also be Compangineered™ to embody a ‘coincidentintersection’ with/of more esoteric and/or important functional aspectsof the vessels' interrelation with other such vessels. For example, insome embodiments the functional aspects include ‘value added’ benefitsin the storage and transportation (the triangular or rectangular shapesstack together filling all space), and/or ‘amplified utility’ in regardsto manipulation by human or robotic ‘hands’ (the triangular and/orrectilinear shape is easier to grip). Although shown and described inconnection with a water bottle, it will be appreciated that variousembodiments of the instant invention will be utilized in connection withvessels for other items, including other drinkable liquids, non-potableliquids, solids, or other items.

At all times the WellWater® strategy is a strategy of and for wellness,for the consumers of contained products and theirpackaging/containers/vessels, Compangineered® lifecycles ofpackaging/containers/vessels, and conservation of energy and entropy forall living individuals and groups. Such packaging/containers/vessels, insome embodiments will also contain water from wells and/or other naturaland enhanced sources. Such packaging/containers/vessels will in someembodiments be made from materials now known or hereinafter discovered.In some embodiments, vessels of the invention are made from knownplastics and in a manner similar to that of disposable plastic waterbottles (e.g. from polyethylene terephthalate, P.E.T., plastics). Insome embodiments, vessels of the invention are made from Compangineered®materials of the type described in U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 62/583,944, filed Nov. 9, 2017, the entire disclosure of whichis incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments thepackaging/containers/vessels will be either of simple containment and/orof some periodic, controlled and/or continuous participatory purpose,consistent with a conservation of energy and entropy, and the subject toadditional Compangineered® activity(s) as part of the design process.

It will be appreciated that the systems and methods of variousembodiments of the inventive concept apply to vessels for various formsof products beyond water/liquids. Some embodiments of the inventiveconcept method broadly apply to any purposeful design of a vessel tooptimize the placement of multiple vessels within a containment area(e.g. storage/display shelf, shipping container, etc.) to achievemaximum density within the area. Such embodiments of the instantinvention, referred to as the inventors' FormChain™ Technology, providefor increased flexibility for physical packaging storage andtransportation in a manner similar to the flexibility achieved in thedigital storage and transmission through BlockChain technology.

In some embodiments, the systems and methods disclosed herein areutilized in connection with a product itself, which is broadly definedas a “vessel” of the inventive concept. For example, in someembodiments, the external shape of a vacuum cleaner, or other product,is designed using the systems and methods of the inventive concept toincrease efficiency of storage/transportation of multiple units of theproduct together. For example, in some embodiments, a vacuum cleaner isdesigned to have a generally triangular cross sectional shape, such thatmultiple vacuum cleaners can be stacked together more densely within ashipping container.

Embodiments of the apparatuses, systems and methods of the inventiveconcept create a mechanism/metric for multiple quantities of the productpackaging/vessel for the cartage/storage of the product and/or productwithin the packaging. Prior to the advent of the instant inventiveconcept products such as aircraft fuselages (such as the iconic Boing707/737) were designed to fit within certain transportation parameters.In the case of aircraft, the fuselages were designed to fit throughrailroad tunnels when placed on the train cars. The size of the tunnelswas thus a limiting factor on the size of the fuselages. Conventionalshipping crates are sized to fit within international shippingcontainers. Nevertheless, no thought is given to maximize efficiency ofstorage/transport within the containers. The instant invention allowsfor a mechanism to take maximum advantage of the space provided within ashipping container or other storage/transport space. In someembodiments, the container of the instant invention is optimized inconjunction with the sizing of the product within the container toresult in the most efficient use of energy as it relates to the mass ofthe products within the container and time. In some such embodiments,the mass of the container itself is also taken into account as part ofthe determination of efficiency. In some such embodiments, the term“product” used above encompasses smaller containers for other productsthat are sized to fit within one or more larger container(s) (e.g. inone exemplary embodiment, a first container or products is a waterbottle, a second container or product is a case of multiple bottles ofwater, and still a third container is a shipping container housingmultiple cases of water—in yet another embodiment, a fourth container isa ship housing multiple shipping containers).

Some embodiments of the instant invention provide materials andcompanion product cycles that are designed to reverse the trend of priorart product packaging by Compangineering™ the product, packaging andrecycling at the outset. For purposes of the instant invention, allproduct resources are considered finite and all manufacturing and usepossibilities are considered infinite. At the heart of the instantCompangineering™ invention is the significance of water as both anenergy and resource for the product and product cycle. One embodiment ofthe inventive concept provides the capability for the packaging toimpart to and/or obtain from the contents of the packaging a sustainingand/or transformative capability. Another embodiment provides for thepackaging to be reversible, revisable, and/or renewable solely by meansother than prior art of high energy (whether in manner and form oftemperature or mechanistic manipulation, e.g. crushing, grinding,shredding, etc.). Another embodiment provides for the packaging to havean intended Compangineering™ command method of un-zipping, dissolution,reversibility inherent to the specific elemental and/or compound natureof the product and/or its packaging. Another embodiment provides for thereclamation of the packaging for reuse or repurposing in a manner thatis inherently shifted to an earlier point in the consumerdisposal-reclamation cycle so as to conserve energy. Another embodimentfosters Compangineering™ to employ all applicable holistic andscientific methods to support product and packaging integrity/healththroughout the life cycle of the product and packaging to its return toNature and or the production line. Embodiments of the instant inventionprovide for Compangineering™ for the whole cycle, from original designof the product and/or packaging, through sale and use/consumption by theconsumer, all the way to disposal/reclamation/recycling/etc. In someembodiments, the cost of the product containing takes into account thecost of disposal/reclamation/recycling/etc. In such embodiments, theconsumer may pay more for the product (e.g. a bottle of water might cost$0.05 more than one of the prior art) at the point of purchase, but inthe end saves money, time and/or other resources by having a planned andeffective means of disposal/reclamation/recycling/etc.

Some embodiments of the instant invention include materials, such asCompangineered™ known polymers used for packaging in the food,water-beverages, pharmaceutical, etc. fluid industries. In otherembodiment the materials of the instant invention include newcompositions of and/or new uses of existing polymers, composites,compounds, metals, or other complex materials that offer more than onefeature/capability/capacity/intentional design (e.g. materials thatfunction as packaging but also include reversible and/or controlledrelease properties). In one embodiment, inventive Compangineeredmaterials bolster the product during its purposed use for containmentvia a preferred compounding of all or some of theelements/compounds/features of the product and/or its packaging. This isa one-way product methodology, not withstanding the recycling aspects ofthe principles involved. The resultant capabilities of the requisitemethods and materials of the instant invention are intended to renderthe packaging an inherently revisable, renewable, and/or reversibleitem.

The instant invention provides an ‘ashes to ashes’ concept within aproduct lifecycle. Humans have a finite life, and then we return to thesoil from which we came. But as Humans to date, we have endeavored tomake materials to be durable and indestructible without an eye to theircycle of returning to the soul. For purposes of discussion of theinstant inventive concept, fossil fuels are referred to as “recycledbiomass”. Although it takes billions of years, fossil fuels arenevertheless ultimately ‘recycled’. In that context, coal and oil arerenewable resources. Deep dumping waste in an oceanic trench wouldlikely do a better job of recycling than landfills, as the depth wouldtransform materials more successfully and quicker. The trouble withprior art plastic containers, however, is that they often float, andtheir carbon/composite structures take longer than a human lifecycle tore-cycle. Moreover, using farmland to grow corn/agricultural crops(prior art—renewable resources) for container materials plunders ourpotable water aquifers servicing pivot irrigations and our roads haulingre-allocated food and replenishing fertilizers at a high energy cost, inleu of employing fossil fuels. The instant invention overcomes suchdeficiencies in favor of ordered entropy envisioned by the inventiveCompangineering processes.

The materials of the instant invention comprise a new class ofcompounds/polymers/plastic/materials, referred to as POLYREPLETES™,designed to do more than just be a static final form of a making of oneof the class products arising from a Compangineering™ process that hasan inherent/pre-planned reversible/revisable/renewable and/ortransformational property/capability. In other words, Polyrepletes are anew-age new-class of ‘plastics’ (‘plastic’ being referenced herein asbeing something of a slang/common consumer term for an entire class ofmaterials, and not intended to connote or denote any actual material)that serve to be Compangineered™ to degrade or transform in ways that donot require excess TIME or ENERGY of prior art materials to revert totheir original components, and/or on command transform to their originalcomponents, and/or convert to a base for another predeterminedPolyreplete™, and/or convert/transform to components or new/differingmaterials which are easily disposed of by the end consumer. For example,in some embodiments a plastic bottle for hygienically packaging potablewater, by the process of the instant invention is capable of beingrecycled without excess (commonly currently expected) TIME or ENERGY todecompose, reduce in volume or form for repurposing (i.e., grinding foruse as fiber or melting for reformation). Embodiments of the materialsof the instant invention are designed to decompose/transform/sublimatewithout the addition of energy, e.g. at a temperature below the boilingpoint of water or the ‘melting’ point of the substance of thePolyreplete™ itself, and/or or conventional metrics of prior art.

It will be appreciated that embodiments of the POLYREPLETE(S)™material(s) of the instant invention include metalions/compounds/amalgams, etc., and/or any other element(s) ormaterial(s) that is/are designated to be/be part of more than just aone-way vessel of containment (can/bottle/drum, etc.), and/or aredesigned to be a total-solution vessel Compangineered™ POLYREPLETE thathas reversal/repurposing/recycling pre-planned.

In some embodiments, the materials of the instant invention comprisepolymers, or other complex materials, that are designed to reversepolymerize (for purposes of the instant invention, the phrase “reversepolymerize” applies to any materials, or components thereof, of theinstant invention, whether polymer or other form) upon the occurrence ofa predetermined triggering event. In some such embodiments, thepredetermined event is the application of a triggering agent (such as achemical, voltaic, nuclear, etc.) that activates the reversepolymerization/transformative process. In other embodiments, thetriggering event is a temperature. In some such embodiments, thetemperature is a temperature that is below a typical melting point ofthe component materials and/or temperature composite of prior art, butraising the temperature to a specific threshold that is capable offunctioning to start the reverse/de-polymerization process. In otherembodiments, lowering the temperature below a threshold initiates theprocess. In some embodiments the trigger is a moisture level. In someembodiments the trigger is a pH or acid level. In some embodiments thetrigger is an enzyme or element(s) acting as an agent of change(catalyst, cofactor, etc.) that is applied to the Compangineered™material. In some embodiments the trigger is a shear, pressure, force,stress on the material that initiates the reversal/repurposingpolymerization process. In some embodiments, the trigger is based upon apredetermined time interval to initiate, effect, and/or complete toreversal/repurposing process.

In some embodiments of the instant invention, the material is comprisedof or includes one or more layers of material that include controlledrelease properties, elements, compounds, etc. For example, in someembodiments, a water bottle of the inventive concept includes ainherently identifiable characteristic, layer, element, or compound,facilitating controlled release agent of capability, integrally and/oralong the inner surface of the bottle, that releases fluoride and/orflavoring into the water within the container. In some embodiments, thematerial of the bottle itself (e.g. the entire bottle, not just a layeron the inner surface) is a controlled release material, compound,element, agent, etc., to release the fluoride and/or flavoring. At alltimes, the Compangineering™ concept anticipates the concomitant fullproduct/packaging cycle. In some embodiments, the controlled releasematerials of the instant invention comprise polymers, or other complexmaterials, that are designed to release the payload within the materialupon the occurrence of a predetermined triggering event. In some suchembodiments, the predetermined event is the application of a triggeringagent (such as a physical, chemical, voltaic, nuclear, etc.) thatactivates the release process. In other embodiments, the triggeringevent is a temperature. In some such embodiments, the temperature is atemperature that is below a typical melting point of the componentmaterials, but raising the temperature to a specific threshold iscapable of functioning to start the release process. In otherembodiments, lowering the temperature below a threshold initiates theprocess. In some embodiments the trigger is a moisture level, while insome embodiments the trigger is a pH or acid level, be it inherentlyinitiated or externally induced. In some embodiments the trigger is anenzyme or element that is applied to or imputed into a material of theinstant invention. In some embodiments the trigger is a pressure, shearand/or tensil stress on the material that initiates thereverse/repurposing polymerization process. In some embodiments, thetrigger is based upon a predetermined time. In some embodiments, theinventive concept includes both a reverse polymerization and alsoincludes controlled release properties.

Some embodiments of the instant invention include method(s) of usingmaterials that are capable of reverse/repurposing polymerization and/orcontrolled release of a ‘payload(s)’ that is/are designed into the lifecycle of the product/packaging and planned as part of the originaldesign process (“Compangineering™”). In some such embodiments existingknown material technologies that are capable of reverse polymerizationand/or controlled release of payload, are utilized in connection withthe Compangineering™ process of the instant invention. In the inventiveprocess, the materials are selected based upon the desired triggeringevent for decomposition and/or repurposing release. Thecontainer/product itself is designed from the origination with thepurpose of end use and decomposition in mind, and the particularmaterial utilized is selected with such purpose.

Some embodiments of the instant inventive concept include a bottle forwater or other liquids. In some such embodiments, the material iscolored (other than clear of traditional water bottles; e.g. green). Insome embodiments, the bottle includes a cap that is designed as part ofthe bottle life cycle. In some such embodiments, an improvedtamper-resistant cap is utilized. In some embodiments, the bottleincludes a triangular cross section that allows for increased strengthand space-saving/shipping/shelving benefits. In some such embodiments,the shape of the bottle is designed as part of the life-cycle withshipping and/or storage functionality being contemplated as part of theinitial design.

The foregoing and other objects are intended to be illustrative of theinvention and are not meant in a limiting sense. Many possibleembodiments of the invention may be made and will be readily evidentupon a study of the following specification and accompanying drawingscomprising a part thereof. Various features and subcombinations ofinvention may be employed without reference to other features andsubcombinations. Other objects and advantages of this invention willbecome apparent from the following description, wherein is set forth byway of illustration and example, an embodiment of this invention andvarious features thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrative of the best modein which the applicant has contemplated applying the principles, is setforth in the following description and is shown in the drawings and isparticularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appendedclaims.

FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 are top views of a water bottle of an embodiment of theinventive concept (FIG. 1) shown in comparison analysis to square (FIG.2) and rounded (FIG. 3) water bottles of the prior art.

FIGS. 4A through 4E show a space comparison analysis between variousembodiments of water bottles (1) of the inventive concept, includingsquare cross section (4A), rectangular cross section (4B), triangularcross section (4C) and rounded cross section (4D), for all bottlesincluding neck forms and twist caps similar to those of the prior art.

FIGS. 5A through 5E show a space comparison analysis between variousembodiments of water bottles (2) of the inventive concept, includingsquare cross section (5A), rectangular cross section (5B), triangularcross section (5C) and rounded cross section (5D), for all bottlesincluding neck forms of an embodiment of the inventive concept includinga twist cap closure.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show a space comparison analysis for a triangular bottle(3) of the inventive concept including a flip portal closure and/orcompanion element.

FIGS. 7A through 7E show a space comparison analysis between variousembodiments of water bottles (4) of the inventive concept, includingsquare cross section (7A), triangular cross section (7B), and circularcross section (7C), for bottles including an accordion neck (Q) of theinventive concept.

FIGS. 8 through 11 show an adjacency comparison analysis between variousembodiments of water bottles (4) of the inventive concept, includingsquare cross section (FIG. 10), triangular cross section (FIG. 8),circular cross section (FIG. 9) and rectangular cross section (FIG. 11).

FIGS. 12 and 13 show an adjacency packaging comparison analysis inperspective view between various vessel embodiments of the prior art,including a typical disposable water bottle (FIG. 12), and a typicalsoda can (FIG. 13).

FIGS. 14A through 16 show a preferred human interface comparisonanalysis between various vessel embodiments of the inventive concept,including triangular cross section (FIGS. 14A and 14B),rectangular/rectilinear cross section (FIGS. 15A and 15B), square crosssection (FIG. 17), and circular cross section (FIG. 16).

FIG. 18 is a front elevation view of a water bottle vessel embodiment ofthe instant inventive concept, including structural features forhorizontal and vertical interlock with other bottles of identicalstructure.

FIG. 19 is a rear elevation view of the water bottle of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a left side elevation view of the water bottle of FIG. 18,looking toward a female horizontal interlock structure.

FIG. 21 is a right side elevation view of the water bottle of FIG. 18,looking toward a male horizontal interlock structure that mates with thecorresponding female interlock structure of other identical bottles.

FIG. 22 is a bottom plan view of the water bottle of FIG. 18, lookingtoward a female vertical interlock structure.

FIG. 23 is a top plan view of the water bottle of FIG. 18, lookingtoward a male vertical interlock structure that mates with thecorresponding female interlock structure of other identical bottles.

FIG. 24 is a frontal perspective view of a grouping of vessels of FIG.18 being stacked together horizontally and vertically.

FIG. 25 is an exploded frontal perspective view of a grouping of vesselsof FIG. 18 stacked together and positioned upon a pallet of theinventive concept.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As required, a detailed embodiment of the present invention is disclosedherein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiment ismerely exemplary of the principles of the invention, which may beembodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functionaldetails disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, butmerely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis forteaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the presentinvention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, a triangular cross-section water bottle(C) of an embodiment of the inventive concept is shown in comparisonanalysis to round (D) and square (A) cross section water bottles of theprior art. FIG. 1 shows how an average human hand comfortably grips thetriangular cross section design. FIG. 1 also shows areas of “wastedspace” (a) at the rounded/chamfered corners of each of the crosssectional bottle shapes, and demonstrates how the instant inventiveconcept works to minimize wasted space about the exterior duringstorage, transport, etc. of the vessel while maintaining interiorcapacity. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments of theinventive concept, rounded/chamfered corners are utilized for aestheticand/or functional purposes, despite the fact that such corners result ina small amount of wasted space. The square bottle shown in FIG. 2 isrepresentative of the cross sectional shape of a Fiji brand water bottleof the prior art. The circular/rounded bottle shown in FIG. 3 isrepresentative of the cross sectional shape of a Dasani and/or LifeWater brand water bottle of the prior art. As is shown in FIG. 3, thecircular cross section shape results in significant wasted spaceadjacent to the outer surface of the vessel.

FIG. 1 illustrates several embodiments of conveyance portal openings,transitions and closures of the inventive concept on the top of bottleC, through which a user of the bottle may drink the liquid/contents fromthe bottle. It will be appreciated that the conveyance portal openings,transitions and closures shown in FIG. 1 will be utilized in someembodiments individually, and in other embodiments in combination withone or more of the openings, transitions and/or closures shown. It willfurther be appreciated that other conveyance portal openings,transitions and closures, now known or hereinafter developed, will beutilized in other embodiments without departing from the spirit andscope of the instant inventive concept.

FIG. 1 shows a flip up portal cover (F) located over portal openings ofeach of the corners of the triangular top of the bottle C. In someembodiments, the flip up cover is connected to the top of the bottle viaa living hinge and reclosable/resealable by the user. In some suchembodiments, the flip up cover includes an internal groove that mateswith a lip on the top of the bottle to seal the closure. In someembodiments, the flip up cover is similar to pop-top soda can openingmechanisms of the prior art, in which the tab is removable from the topand discard. In other embodiments, the flip-up cover is similar tostay-tab opening mechanisms of soda cans of the prior art, in which thetab stays connected to the top. In other embodiments, the flip up coveris a peel-away tape or other material that covers the portal opening. Insome such embodiments, the tape is resealable.

FIG. 1 shows a twist off cap portal cover (TH). In some embodiments, thecap is similar to those of water bottles of the prior art. In someembodiments the cap covers a portal opening located in a rigid necktransition area in which the neck (AC) tapers or otherwise reduces indiameter/width from the body portion (AD) of the bottle to a cap-necktransition area (AB) from which a threaded cap retention area (AA)extends. The cap TH includes internal threads, or other suitableretention mechanisms now known or hereafter developed, for holding thecap TH to the threaded cap retention area AA. In some embodiments, thecap covers a portal opening located in a compressible or dynamic necktransition area (Y), as is shown in FIG. 1. In some such embodiments thetransition area (see Q in FIG. 7) is a pop-up accordion shape that iscapable of compressing dynamically down into a recess or onto itself toreduce the height of the neck transition area during storage, transportor other period of non-use of the bottle. In some embodiments area Y inFIG. 1 includes a recess for housing the pop-up neck of the bottle whenit is compressed to a non-use position. In other embodiments, area Yincludes a pump or other structural feature to assist in moving thepop-up neck of the bottle from a compressed/non-use position to anextended position.

The triangular and/or rectilinear cross section of some embodiments ofthe vessel allows for increased strength andspace-saving/shipping/shelving benefits. FIGS. 1 through 3 shows acomparison of functional benefits of ergonomics and storage of a bottleof triangular cross section of the instant inventive concept vs.conventional round and/or square bottles. In some embodiments, thetriangular cross section is that of a equilateral triangle. It will beappreciated that in other embodiments, alternative triangular forms willbe utilized (e.g. isosceles, scalene, acute, obtuse, right), dependingupon the functional properties desired. FIG. 1 shows vessels of theinstant inventive concept having equilateral triangular shape. Otherembodiments of the inventive concept include right triangle shapes. Theuse of right triangular shaped vessels allows multiple vessels to bestacked together to form a square. It will be appreciated that in someembodiments, multiple right angled vessels are stacked together to filla square or rectangular storage/transportation space (e.g. a shippingcontainer). In some embodiments that use of an equilateral triangleshape, when multiple vessels are stacked together of the same shape, theend of the stack includes a triangular gap. In some embodiments in whichequilateral triangle vessels are utilized, the storage/transportationarea is shaped such that an end includes a triangular shape that mateswith the shape of the end of the stack, allowing for maximum utilizationof space within the area. In some embodiments of the inventive concept,multiple different shaped vessels are stacked together to utilizemaximum space within a storage/transport area.

Referring to FIG. 1, a ‘standard-to-smaller’ human hand size (8-9 glovesize) is shown to illustrate the ergonomics of human ‘grip’ of shapes.The ‘standard-to-smaller’ size is utilized in some embodiments so as tonot instantly disadvantage the ‘easy-grip’ capabilities of the instantinvention by the average human. It is appreciated that the volume of anygiven vessel is a function of not only its cross sectional base/shapebut its overall height. In some embodiments of the inventive concept, amaximum and/or minimum height is taken into consideration as aCompangineered® requisite parameter for the overall design. In analyzingthe capability of the human grip in the context of the inventiveconcept, it is appreciated that in some embodiment's of the inventiveconcept there is a ‘sweet spot’ of capability for each size, relative tothe sizes of standard forms of round and/or square bottles that aretypical of prior art plastic water bottles.

Based upon initial examination of the inventive concept, it isunderstood that the human hand is able to grip a slightly bigger crosssection of a triangle than square because the human hand is able to gripan angle less than 90 degrees easier than that of a round or squaresurface devoid of external irregularities, such as the Iconic Cokebottle. In some embodiments, based upon the average size of a humanhand, and volume of contents desired within a vessel, an ‘ideal’ formulaof height to cross section is obtained. A triangular form is observed to‘fit’ the junction of the ‘opposable thumb’ and ‘first digit’ that mostreadily assumes a triangular nexus. Realizing that volumes of varyingforms with the manifestations of their resulting mathematical geometriccross sectional formularies, the intention some embodiments of theWellWater® Compangineering™ of the instant invention is to glean afavorable cross sectional-to-volume strategy. As such, it is conducivethat some embodiments of the instant invention of the WellWater® bottleis Compangineered concomitant with advantages over prior art in the areaof conserving both energy and entropy with regards to consumableproducts, such as polymer vessels for potable water. Nevertheless, itwill be appreciated that various embodiments of the inventive conceptwill be utilized for containment of other liquids, solids, or othersubstances now known or hereinafter discovered.

It is noted that the filler/use portal (e.g. the opening at the top ofthe bottle), and transition area (e.g. the bottle neck) to thefiller/use portal (which traditionally combine to function as transitionfrom the bulk container portion of the vessel to the end use, such as auser's mouth) with overall form of the instant invention, in someembodiments will itself be the subject of other invention and notcontingent to/of the form or function of those of the prior art shownherein. Indeed, in some embodiments the filler/use portal and transitionat all times will be the subject of a Compangineered® strategy for theinstant invention. As such, a vessel of some embodiments of the instantinvention is complete with the filler/use portal and transition area tothe filler/use portal will be an additional strategy in conservingenergy and entropy of the entire lifecycle of WellWater® containmentvessels and product beyond that of similar vessels of prior art. In someembodiments, the filler/use portal is a tab or removal seal/labelpositioned along a generally flat surface of the vessel (similar to thatof a soda can). FIG. 1 shows various options for dispenser areas “X”located adjacent to one or more corners of the triangular cross section,or “Y” at a center of the triangular cross section. The flat top of suchembodiments provides additional functional benefits for storage and/ortransportation, allowing multiple vessels to be stacked on top of oneanother. In other embodiments, the filler/use portal and transition areaare designed to be intertwined within the internal volume of the vesseland/or made to be dynamic for externalization, providing a flat top whenclosed, and a protruding filler/use portal when open. Some suchembodiments include accordion style and/or Nuk style nipple that isrecessed within the vessel in a closed orientation, and that is pulledout to protrude from the top of the vessel in an open orientation.

FIG. 1 also shows several areas, a, that indicated the amount of wastedspace due to rounded corners or the round shape of a round bottle. Insome embodiments of the invention, the vessel includes rounded corners,such as shown in FIG. 1. The rounded corners allow for improved grip bya user. Other embodiments utilize non-rounded corners to maximize usageof internal space.

It will be appreciated that any dimensions shown in FIGS. 1 through 3are for exemplary purposes only, and not intended in any way to limitthe various sizes and shapes of embodiments of the inventive concept.

FIGS. 4A through 4E show a space comparison analysis between variousembodiments of water bottles (1) of the inventive concept, includingbottle A with a generally square cross section (FIG. 4A), bottle B witha generally rectangular cross section (FIG. 4B), bottle C with agenerally triangular cross section (FIG. 4C), and bottle D with agenerally rounded/circular cross section (FIG. 4D). All bottles shown inFIG. 4 include rigid neck forms and twist caps similar to those of theprior art, in which neck AC includes a relatively long taperedtransition from body AD to the cap-neck transition AB. As is shown inFIG. 4, the square and rectilinear cross sections result in the leastamount of wasted space (a) in the locations adjacent to the main bodyportion AD of the bottle. This allows multiple bottles of similar shapesto be positioned adjacent to each other for storage, transport, etc. Asis shown in FIG. 4C, the triangular cross section results in less wastedspace than the square cross section, but in certain instances (e.g. whenlocated at the end of a grouping of adjacent bottles within atraditional square pallet or rectangular cargo container) will have morewasted space than the square or rectangular shapes.

FIG. 4E also shows the amount of wasted space (a) that exists about theneck transition area of the bottles. FIG. 4E shows two bottlesvertically stacked upon one another, to illustrate the amount of wastedspace between adjacent vertically stacked bottles. FIG. 4E isrepresentative of all bottles A, B, C and D. In FIG. 4E, line xrepresents the rear edge/corner of bottle C, while PA represents thefront surface z of bottle C that is being viewed in FIG. 4E. FIG. 4Ealso shows front surface PA of bottles A, B and D.

FIGS. 5A through 5E show a space comparison analysis between variousembodiments of water bottles (2) of the inventive concept, includingbottle A2 with a square cross section (FIG. 5A), bottle B2 with arectangular/rectilinear cross section (FIG. 5B), bottle C2 with atriangular cross section (FIG. 5C), and bottle D2 with arounded/circular cross section (FIG. 5D). All bottles of FIG. 5 includeneck forms of an embodiment of the inventive concept including a twistcap closure TH and a shortened neck area AC between body AD and cap-necktransition AB. FIG. 5E shows the amount of wasted space (a) that existsabout the neck transition area of the bottles. FIG. 5E shows two bottlesvertically stacked upon one another, to illustrate the amount of wastedspace between adjacent vertically stacked bottles. As is shown in FIG.5E, the bottles of these embodiments of the inventive concept includevertical interlock features. In FIG. 5E the cap TH is sized to fitwithin a recessed area with the bottom of a bottle stacked on top of thebottle. FIG. 5E is representative of all bottles A2, B2, C2 and D2. InFIG. 5E, line x represents the rear edge/corner of bottle C2, while Zrepresents the front surface z of bottle C that is being viewed in FIG.5E. FIG. 5E also shows front surface PA of bottles A, B and D as surfaceZ. As is seen in FIG. 5, the amount of wasted space for verticalstacking of bottles is greatly reduced with the use of the shortenedneck area AC of FIG. 5E.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show a space comparison analysis for a triangular bottle(3) of the inventive concept including a flip portal closure HH and/orcompanion element (e.g. pop-top, stay tab, peel away opener,accordion/collapsible transition, etc.). FIG. 6B shows two bottlesvertically stacked upon one another, to illustrate the amount of wastedspace between adjacent vertically stacked bottles. As is shown in FIG.6B, the bottles of these embodiments of the inventive concept includevertical interlock features. In FIG. 6B the cap HH is sized to fitwithin a recessed area with the bottom of a bottle stacked on top of thebottle. Although shown with respect to a triangular bottle, it will beappreciated that in other embodiments the closure feature of FIG. 6 willbe utilized in connection with bottles of any shapes disclosed herein orhereinafter developed. In FIG. 6B, line x represents the rearedge/corner F of bottle C2, while Z represents the front surface z ofbottle C2 that is being viewed in FIG. 6B. As is seen in FIG. 6, theamount of wasted space for vertical stacking of bottles is greatlyreduced with the use of the shortened neck area AC of FIG. 6B.

In FIGS. 5 and 6, areas (a) represent end condition wasted space for allcircumstances. Areas (b) in FIGS. 5 and 6 represent end condition wastedspace only for circumstance in which adjacent bottles are not placednext to the adjacent surface of bottles C2. FIGS. 5 and 6 are intendedto show wasted space conditions for situations in which a grouping ofbottles is packaged together in a traditional square or rectilinearcontainer. In such situations, the triangular shape of bottle C2 willresult in one end condition in which wasted space (a) exists at one endof the container/package; however, wasted space (b) will not exist asthe adjacent surface to (b) will be flush/flat to the edge of thecontainer/package.

FIGS. 7A through 7E show a space comparison analysis between variousembodiments of water bottles (4) of the inventive concept, includingbottle A3 with a square cross section (FIG. 7A), bottle C2 with atriangular cross section (FIG. 7B), and bottle D3 with a circular crosssection (FIG. 7C), for bottles including an accordion neck (Q) of theinventive concept. FIG. 7D shows two bottles vertically stacked upon oneanother, to illustrate the amount of wasted space between adjacentvertically stacked bottles. As is shown in FIG. 7D, the bottles of theseembodiments of the inventive concept include vertical interlockfeatures. In FIG. 7D the cap TH and accordion neck Q are sized to fitwithin a recessed area within the bottom of a bottle stacked on top ofthe bottle. In FIG. 7D, the accordion neck Q is in a compressed, orslightly compressed, position for vertical stacking. Although shown withrespect to triangular, round and square bottles, it will be appreciatedthat in other embodiments the closure feature of FIG. 7 will be utilizedin connection with bottles of any shapes disclosed herein or hereinafterdeveloped. In FIG. 7D, line x represents the rear edge/corner of bottleC3, while Z represents the front surface z of bottle C3 that is beingviewed in FIGS. 7D and 7E. As is seen in FIG. 7, the amount of wastedspace for vertical stacking of bottles is greatly reduced with the useof the shortened neck area Q of FIG. 6E.

FIGS. 8 through 11 show an adjacency comparison analysis between variousembodiments of water bottles (4) of the inventive concept, includingsquare cross section (FIG. 10), triangular cross section (FIG. 8),circular cross section (FIG. 9) and rectangular cross section (FIG. 11).FIGS. 8 through 11 show the wasted space resulting from storing bottlesof varying cross sections in adjacent relation to one another with arectilinear container. As is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the triangularcross section has less wasted space than the circular cross section, butin the rectilinear contain will at least have wasted space (a) under allcircumstances, and in many circumstances (depending upon the dimensionsand shape of the container) will have wasted space (b). As is shown inFIGS. 10 and 11, the amount of wasted space within a rectilinearcontainer is minimized with the square or rectangular cross sectionbottles.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show an adjacency packaging comparison analysis inperspective view between various vessel embodiments of the prior art,including a typical disposable water bottle (FIG. 12), and a typicalsoda can (FIG. 13). As is shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the typical longneck water bottle has more wasted space than the soda can about the neckarea. Nevertheless, the soda can has significant wasted spacesurrounding adjacent surfaces.

FIGS. 14A through 16 show a preferred human interface comparisonanalysis between various vessel embodiments of the inventive concept,including triangular cross section (FIGS. 14A and 14B),rectangular/rectilinear cross section (FIGS. 15A and 15B), square crosssection (FIG. 17), and circular cross section (FIG. 16). As is shown inFIGS. 14A and 15A, all the bottles shown in FIGS. 14A through 16 includea short neck transition between the bottle body and the conveyanceportal. The portal openings for all bottle shapes in FIGS. 14A through16 are of equal diameter. The arrows in FIGS. 14B, 15B, 16 and 17illustrate the direction from the center in which a user's lips may beposition for drinking from the portal. The single dots represent a shortspace interval between the portal and the edge of the vessel, while thedouble dots represent a long space interval between the portal and theedge of the vessel. As is shown, the triangular and rectilinear bottleshapes provide the shortest interval between the conveyance portal andthe edge of the vessel. When using the shorter neck transition, this isbeneficial as it provides for easier usage/drinking. The longer intervalis difficult/inconvenient for the user. It is noted that in embodimentsutilizing a long tapering neck transition the interval between theconveyance portal and the outer surface of the vessel body becomes lessrelevant for user convenience, as the tapering brings the vessel bodyfurther away from the user's mouth/lips during use.

FIG. 18 is a front elevation view of a rectilinear water bottle vesselembodiment of the instant inventive concept, including structuralfeatures for horizontal and vertical interlock with other bottles ofidentical structure. As is shown in FIG. 18, the left side of the bottleincludes an internal recess (female horizontal interlock structure) forreceiving a corresponding male horizontal interlock structure of anadjacent bottle. FIG. 18 shows on the right side of the bottle aprotrusion that mates with the internal recess of an adjoining bottle.The protrusion is sized to have a slightly smaller external diameterthan the internal diameter of the recess, so the protrusion is capableof mating within the recess of an adjoining bottle. FIG. 18 shows aninternal recess at the bottom of the bottle (female vertical interlockstructure) for receiving a corresponding top of an adjacent bottle onwhich the bottle is stacked. The recess is shaped to correspond to thetop of the bottle, including the bottle cap TH over the portal. In oneembodiment of a bottle of FIG. 18, the dimension of the bottle are asfollows: the diameter of the twist off cap is approximately 1 inch; thecap height AA is approximately ½ inch; the cap neck transition height ABis approximately 1/16 inch; the top corner edges of the bottle arechamfered approximately 1/16 inch (this is also the neck area AC); thebody height AD is approximately 5⅝ inches; the diameter of thehorizontal interlock recess is approximately ⅞ inches, with a widthextending into the bottle from the exterior surface of approximately ⅛inches; the diameter of the horizontal interlock protrusion isapproximately 13/16 inches, with a width protruding out of the exteriorsurface of the bottle by approximately 1/16 inches; the bottom edges ofthe horizontal interlocks are positioned approximately 1 inch from thebottom edge of the bottle body; the depth of the bottle form front toback is approximately 2 inches; the width form left to right isapproximately 2⅞ inches; the recess at the bottom of the bottle includesan approximately 1/16 chamfer (but slightly larger than the top chamferto accommodate mating with the top of corresponding bottles duringstacking); the central portion of the recess includes a recess area toaccommodate a cap TH of a mating bottle, with a depth slightly greaterthan approximately ½ inch and a width of approximately 1⅛ inches. Thisparticular embodiment has been found to provide a grouping of bottlesthat horizontally stack together to fill the complete surface of atraditional pallet, while at the same time holding similar volume ofwater to traditional water bottles. Nevertheless, it will be appreciatedthat other embodiments include bottles of any varying dimensions.

FIG. 19 is a rear elevation view of the water bottle of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a left side elevation view of the water bottle of FIG. 18,looking toward the female horizontal interlock structure.

FIG. 21 is a right side elevation view of the water bottle of FIG. 18,looking toward the male horizontal interlock structure that mates withthe corresponding female interlock structure of other identical bottles.

FIG. 22 is a bottom plan view of the water bottle of FIG. 18, lookingtoward the female vertical interlock structure.

FIG. 23 is a top plan view of the water bottle of FIG. 18, lookingtoward the male vertical interlock structure (e.g. the top of the bottleand the cap TH) that mates with the corresponding female interlockstructure of other identical bottles.

FIG. 24 is a frontal perspective view of a grouping of vessels of FIG.18 being stacked together horizontally and vertically. As is shown, thebottles interlock both vertically and horizontally

FIG. 25 is an exploded frontal perspective view of a grouping of vesselsof FIG. 18 stacked together and positioned upon a pallet tray of theinventive concept. The pallet tray of FIG. 25 includes a male verticalinterlock structure that mates with the female vertical interlockstructure of bottles places on the pallet. The pallet tray of theinventive concept, when used in combination with the bottles of FIG. 18provides superior packaging integrity with minimal need for additionalsupport. Shrink wrap or other straps or retention mechanisms can bewrapped around the top and bottom to compress vertically, without theneed to wrap/support the sides (i.e. no need to support horizontally).In some embodiments, the one pallet tray is positioned at the bottom ofa group of bottles, and another is positioned at the top of the bottlesto provide additional structural integrity for the group. In some suchembodiments, each pallet tray includes both male and female interlockfeatures, so that a single pallet tray is capable of functioning aseither a top or bottom tray, or both top and bottom at the same time.

Several exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept are furtherdescribed in the number paragraphs below:

1. A method for optimizing space and/or resource allocation for, andutilization requirements of material, packaging, storage, transport,use, reuse and/or disposal and/or collectively a product of same, saidmethod comprising the steps of:

-   -   determining materialization of the product to minimize wasted        space and/or optimize product conveyance(s); and    -   designing the product with the materialization based upon said        determining step.

In some such embodiments, the product is a vessel. In some embodiments,the vessel is a container. In some such embodiments, the container is abottle for containing water or other liquid that is conveyed from thevessel. In some embodiments determining materialization is determining agrouping of vessels. For purposes of the inventive concept“Materialization” includes a determination as to elements, compounds, orsubstances for making the product (collectively “materialcharacteristics”), groupings, placements, and/or adjacency relating tothe product and other like or coordinated products.

Some embodiments of the inventive concept include method of reimaginingthe relationship of oxidation and respiration as it relates to thecarbon cycle. In this manner, the inventive concept accounts for theentire life cycle of a product, from the original materials used in theproduct to the final disposal of the product. The inventive conceptutilizes concepts similar and/or consistent to Michaelis-Menten kineticsand/or superseding principles. In that regard, embodiments of themethods of the inventive concept are intended to design/develop productsthat go full circle, e.g. from seed to bottle and with the purpose of anend material(s) (post use of the product—e.g. upon disposal of an emptywater bottle) back to at least help the seed (either through oxidationor respiration), and start the cycle over again for new products. Insome embodiments, the inventive concept lifecycle results in a disposalof the product that goes back into the original lifecycle (e.g. bybreaking product down to components that help replenish the originalresource used). In other embodiments, the inventive concept lifecycleresults in a reuse of the product for other purposes (e.g. a waterbottle is filled with dirt and used as a construction component).

For purposes of the instant invention, the term “renewable” isreimagined and redefined such that oil or other resources are considered“renewable” products. For example, oil is “renewable” over a long enoughperiod of time. In some embodiments, the inventive concept utilizes oilor other resources, taking into account the life cycle and renewabilityof oil as part of the optimization process. The inventive conceptdiffers from “renewable” resources of the prior art in that the entirelife cycle is considered as part of the process. For example, in priorart methods plastic may be made from corn byproducts, and corn isconsidered a “renewable” resource because it can be grown and regrown.Notwithstanding, method of making bottle form corn based plastic fail totake into account the other resources that may be plundered or overusedin the process, including resources for growing/fertilize the corn,harvesting, etc., and resources for hauling manufactured product,storage, and disposal of the product at the end of its use. Theinventive concept considers one or more (in some embodiments, more thanone, in some embodiments, all or close to all) aspects in the life cycleof the product from design/structure, use of materials, manufacture,transport, storage, use, disposal post use, interrelation of multipleproducts together with each other, etc., to optimize the life cycle anduse of resources. The inventive concept in some embodiment consideredthe elements of a product itself—e.g. the way the carbons line up(carbon chain)—reimagining making and breaking carbon chains in a carbonbased universe. Embodiments of the inventive concept provide a method ofindexing and conserving and/or accounting for the use of carbon and/orother resources. Some embodiments of the inventive concept index allcomponents of the product or product design, manufacturing, use,disposal, process, such as substrates (or carbon), catalysts/agents,by-products, and energy(s), in terms of total energy and entropyrequirements (through the entire lifecycle of the product). In someembodiments, components of the product of the inventive concept aredesigned based on product lifecycle to perform more than one function(e.g. conveyance portal also functions as interlock for mating vessels).

For purposes of the inventive concept the term “conveyance” broadlyincludes the materials of which the product and/or its packaging aremade, as well as the purpose, delivery, transport, storage, use, resuseand/or disposal of the product itself. For example, in some embodimentsin which the product is a water bottle, conveyance includes theadjacency of two bottles group together and how they related to oneanother. In some water bottle embodiments, conveyance includes how thecontents (e.g. the water within the bottle) are conveyed from theinterior space of the bottle to the user. In some water bottleembodiments, conveyance includes how the grouping (e.g. pallet) ofbottles are conveyed from the manufacturer to a retail point of salelocation. In some embodiments, conveyance includes how the bottle isdisposed of after the contents have been conveyed from the bottle.

Products of the instant inventive concept are Compangineered™ to beformed, and/or deformed, by organic intention, by intrinsic particles,inert or active or activatable, internal or external elements, microbes,organisms, compounds, materials, methods and/or other means (definedherein as “Constituency”).

2. The method as set forth in embodiment 1 wherein the product comprisesa group of vessels, wherein said determining step comprises determininggroupings of vessels to minimize wasted space and/or optimize vesselconveyance(s); and wherein said designing step comprises designingindividual vessels within the group based upon said determining step.3. The method as set forth in embodiment 2 wherein said determining stepcomprises the step of optimizing vessel conveyance(s), and wherein saidvessel conveyance(s) comprises a vessel shape.4. The method as set forth in embodiment 2 wherein said determining stepcomprises the step of optimizing vessel conveyance(s), and wherein saidvessel conveyance(s) comprises a vessel purpose.5. The method as set forth in embodiment 4, wherein said vessel purposecomprises the delivery of a conveyable substance.

In some embodiments, the conveyable substance is potable water.

6. The method set forth in embodiment 2 wherein said determining stepcomprises the step of optimizing vessel conveyance(s), and wherein saidvessel conveyance(s) comprises a vessel life cycle and/or shelf life fora vessel.7. The method as set forth in embodiment 6 wherein in said optimizingstep recycling, repurposing and/or disposal of the vessel is determined.8. The method as set forth in embodiment 7 wherein in said optimizingstep a preferred material for optimizing recycling, repurposing and/ordisposal of said vessel is determined.9. The method as set forth in embodiment 8 wherein in said optimizingstep a preferred trigger for initiating said recycling, repurposingand/or disposal of said vessel is determined in coordination with saidvessel material.10. The method as set forth in embodiment 9 wherein said trigger is anagent that decomposes said vessel material.

For purposes of the inventive concept the term “agent” includes element,enzyme, compound, microbe, microbial, microplasm, energy, bacteria,accelerant, retardant, activator, catalyst, organism, etc. or anythingthat injests or digests the product (or part thereof), or reproduces orreplicates the product (or part thereof), or otherwise facilitatesanabolic and/or catabolic existence of the product (or part thereof)and/or internal or external reductive processes relating to the product.

11. The method as set forth in embodiment 2 wherein said determiningstep comprises the step of optimizing vessel conveyance(s), and whereinsaid vessel conveyance(s) comprises a vessel contents.12. The method as set forth in embodiment 11 wherein in said optimizingstep vessel contents are enhanced, modified, contributed to and oramplified by said vessel.13. The method as set forth in embodiment 12 wherein said optimizing ofvessel contents is performed on demand.14. The method as set forth in embodiment 12 wherein said optimizing ofvessel contents is performed in a progressive manner.15. The method as set forth in embodiment 12 wherein said optimizing ofvessel contents is performed in a controlled and/or triggered manner.16. The method as set forth in embodiment 2 wherein contents of at leastone vessel contribute to the determining step and wherein saiddetermining step includes determining of form, function, and/or purposeof vessels, groupings of vessels, vessel packaging, and/or packagingsystems.17. The method as set forth in embodiment 2 wherein said determiningstep comprises defining preferred adjacency(s) of adjacent vesselswithin the group of vessels.

For purposes of the inventive concept “adjacency” means that productsare Compangineered™ to be compatible, conforming, or competing withother products. Adjacency includes category, class or group strategies.For example, adjacency of a water bottle in some embodiments includeshow the individual bottle stacks horizontally and/or vertically withother similar bottles into a case or pallet of bottle. In someembodiments, adjacency includes how packages of multiple bottles aregrouped together into a pallet, container, retail shelf, or other area.

18. The method as set forth in embodiment 17 wherein said preferredadjacency(s) comprises one or more symbiotic surface(s) of adjoiningvessels' walls.19. The method as set forth in embodiment 18 wherein said one or moresymbiotic surface(s) includes inter-relating elements of reciprocatingform(s) and/or function(s).20. The method as set forth in embodiment 19 wherein said inter-relatingelements comprise a male element on the surface of a first vessel and afemale element on the surface of a second vessel for receiving said maleelement of the first vessel.21. The method as set forth in embodiment 19 wherein said inter-relatingelements comprise a strategically placed planar surface, portion of aplanar surface, or feature of a planar surface.22. The method as set forth in embodiment 21 comprising a feature of aplanar surface, wherein said feature is a vessel base, portion of avessel base, sidewall, and/or top of a vessel.23. The method as set forth in embodiment 17 wherein said preferredadjacency(s) are an accommodation of or for an otherwise usual andcustomary functional element of the vessel.24. The method as set forth in embodiment 23 wherein said usual andcustomary functional element of the vessel is a vessel cap or a portionof a vessel portal covering.

For purposes of the inventive concept, portal covering includes a cap,lid, or other closure for the vessel portal/opening.

25. The method as set forth in embodiment 17 wherein said preferredadjacency(s) function as an element to optimize an individual vesseland/or contributes to optimization of a grouping of vessels.26. The method as set forth in embodiment 25 wherein said preferredadjacency(s) comprising adjacent sidewalls, or portions of sidewalls ofadjacent vessels.27. The method as set forth in embodiment 17 where said determining stepfurther comprises determining concomitantly adjacencies of one or morevessels for purposes of minimizing space between vessels and/orcontainers of multiple vessels, minimizing and/or optimizing packaging,and/or minimizing and/or optimizing packaging systems.28. The method as set forth in embodiment 27 wherein groups of vessels,or containers of multiple vessels are positioned horizontal to oneanother and/or vertical to one another.29. The method as set forth in embodiment 17 wherein said preferredadjacency(s) comprises one or more surface features on a surface ofadjacency for enhancing the vessel, packaging of the vessel, storage ofthe vessel, and/or transport of the vessel.30. The method as set forth in embodiment 2 wherein said determiningstep comprises the step of determining space requirements in terms ofvolume, mass and/or entropy of internal containment(s) and/or externaladjacency(s) of one or more of said individual vessels.31. The method as set forth in embodiment 30 wherein internalcontainment(s) comprise the contents of the vessels.32. The method as set forth in embodiment 30 wherein internalcontainment(s) comprise one or more surface feature(s) on an internalsurface of one or more of said individual vessels.33. The method as set forth in embodiment 23 wherein externaladjacency(s) comprise one or more surface feature(s) on an externalsurface of one or more of said individual vessels.34. The method as set forth in embodiment 2 wherein said determiningstep comprises the step of advantaging concomitantly form and functionof individual vessels through coordinated adjacency(s) of one or morevessels and/or containers of vessels.35. The method as set forth in embodiment 2 wherein said determiningstep comprises the step of advantaging concomitantly form and functionof individual vessels through coordinated adjacency(s) of one or moreplanar surface, portion of a planar surface, or functional element of aplanar surface, of one or more vessels.36. The method as set forth in embodiment 2 wherein said determiningstep comprises the step of designing and/or modeling packaging systems,groupings of packaging for vessels and individual vessels with preferredadjacency(s) and/or symbiotic interrelationships, for purposes of acollective gestalt of form, function and materiality of and for morethan one vessel.37. The method as set forth in embodiment 2 wherein the vessel(s) areindividually sized single-use potable water bottles.38. The method as set forth in embodiment 1 wherein the vessel(s) are ofany size and purpose. In some such embodiments, the vessel include abox, car, bike, etc.39. The method as set forth in embodiment 2 further comprising the stepof determining a material for manufacturing the vessels based upon thecontents, intended purposes of contents, and/or vessel purpose.40. The method as set forth in embodiment 1 wherein the productcomprises a group of vessels, wherein said determining step comprisesdetermining material characteristics to minimize wasted space and/oroptimize vessel conveyance(s); and wherein said designing step comprisesdesigning individual vessels within the group based upon saiddetermining step.41. A method for the simultaneous and/or coordinated sequential use ofconceptual and computerized modeling methods for space and materialallocation, award and assignment in pursuit of preferred packagingsystems, packaging, and individual vessels of and/or for packaging, themethod comprising the steps of:

-   -   assessing, grading and employing viscoelastic properties of        materials of packaging systems, packaging and vessels of and for        containment;    -   identifying, allocating and coordinating available space for        purposing all adjacent and/or coincident space and concomitantly        optimizing vessel form and function within said space.        42. The method as set forth in embodiment 40 further comprising        the steps of employing concomitant static and dynamic analysis        of materials, material characteristics and material capabilities        to optimize material and space allocation and performance of        packaging systems, packaging and/or vessels of said packaging.        43. The method as set forth in embodiment 40 further comprising        the steps of purposing concomitantly local, regional and/or        system-wide material consistency(s), thickness(s), cross        sectional profile, shape(s), form(s) and function(s) of one or        more vessels in context of space allocation via computer        modeling, and/or artificial intelligence.        44. The method as set forth in embodiment 43 wherein said        purposing step utilizes an adaptive learning mechanism.        45. The method as set forth in embodiment 40 further comprising        the steps of promulgating advantages of adjacency(s) of more        than one vessel via modeling optimization.        46. The method as set forth in embodiment 45 wherein said        modeling optimization comprises, computer and/or CAD/CAM        modeling.        47. The method as set forth in embodiment 40 further comprising        the steps of perpetuating advantages of material and space        allocation from individual vessel design origination through all        matters of adjacency(s) of more than one vessel and associated        packaging and/or packaging systems.        48. A method of companion sizing, orienting and purposing        vessels, vessel walls, vessel surfaces and features to        cooperatively and collectively conserve resources of space of        vessel making, maintenance, storage and transport and that of        vessel contents, the method comprising the steps of:    -   assessing preferred ergonomics of vessel form and function        associated with end use in context of vessel passive and/or        active content containment, storage, transport, and/or        lifecycle;    -   integrating active ergonomics of an individual vessel with        collective adjacencies of more than one other vessel to        advantage all vessels within the space; and increasing        opportunities of form, surface and/or element adjacencies of        like vessels to reduce wasted internal and external vessel space        in common.        49. The method as set forth in embodiment 48 further comprising        the steps of advantaging conservancy of time, space, energy        and/or material for the lifecycle of vessels through original        conceptionalization, modeling and making of vessels.        50. The method as set forth in embodiment 48 further comprising        the steps allowing for planned formation, deformation and/or        reformation lifecycle of one or more vessels as part of original        design determinations.        51. A method of designing a vessel, the method comprising the        steps of:    -   allowing flow-able contents to assume the transient shape and        form of a vessel and/or concomitantly lend structural integrity,        shape, form and intended metrics to the vessel.        52. A method for designing a vessel and grouping of like vessels        comprising the steps of achieving and maintaining vessel        intended shape, form, mass and usefulness throughout a        programmed period of containment under external loading of one        or more grouped vessels; and    -   allowing vessel shape, form, mass and usefulness to discontinue        following said programmed period.

For example, in some embodiments the contents of the vessel shapephysically help to form the shape of the vessel (e.g. water within aflexible vessel adds some rigidity to the vessel). In some embodimentsthe contents of the vessel provide physical characteristics to thevessel, such as rigidity. In some embodiments, the contents of thevessel provide elemental characteristics to the vessel (e.g. thematerial from which the vessel is made is designed to break down itschemical bonds wen the contents are no longer present).

53. The method as set forth in embodiment 52 wherein said vesselsinclude a programmed material lifecycle beyond containment.54. The as set forth in embodiment 52 or embodiment 2 further comprisingthe steps of purposing vessels in groupings of one or more vessel tomaintain 3-dimensional integrity under loading in usual and customaryaxes, and or off axes (e.g if the vessel is titled, off center or notlevel, it still has integrity), of orientation for storage, use and/ortransport. Some embodiments apply to the structure of the vessel itselfand/or the contents, while others apply to the structure of the vesselplus the contents.55. A method of designing a vessel that includes one or more axes ofnesting of more than one vessel for purposes of maintenance and/orenhancement of the continuity of structural integrity and/or intendedspatial orientation of any individual vessel and/or mission capabilityof groupings of like vessels, the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   considering symbiotic adjacencies of one or more planar surface,        surface elements and/or features of adjacent vessels to achieve        and maintain nesting;    -   designing adjacencies to provide nesting of more than one vessel        and/or groupings of vessels, packaging, and/or packaging        systems.        56. The method as set forth in embodiment 55 further comprising        the steps of employing adjacency nestings to reduce the need for        external, exophytic and/or supplemental means of maintaining        continuity of intended adjacencies of more than one vessel and        contents within vessels.        57. The method as set forth in embodiment 55 further comprising        the steps of resisting and/or accommodating forces (including on        or off axes) of random, intermittent, constant and/or consistent        spatial disruption of groupings of like vessels.        58. The method as set forth in embodiment 55 further comprising        the steps of reducing the lifecycle energy requirements of        making, maintaining, and/or transporting individual vessels        through a gestalt of group functioning capabilities of nesting        adjacencies of more than one vessel.        59. The method as set forth in embodiment 55 further comprising        the steps of reducing the material, energy and massing        requirements of an individual vessel through planned        partitioning of space and time by preferred adjacencies and        associated nestings.        60. The method as set forth in embodiment 55 wherein vessels are        made from and/or relative to one or more, and/or a combination        of materials from the group consisting of polymeric, composite,        rigid, semi-rigid, viscoelastic materials, multi-phasic,        multi-layered material, and energy force field(s) acting as a        material. Embodiments of the inventive concept include products        made from any known or invented materials, including those set        forth above, now known or developed in the future, as well as        layers, composites, aggregate, aggregate associations of        materials.        61. The method as set forth in embodiment 55 wherein like        vessels are made of the same material(s).        62. The method as set forth in embodiment 55 wherein like        vessels are made of differing material(s).        63. The method as set forth in embodiment 55 wherein the vessel        is a single-use or reusable water bottle.        64. The method as set forth in embodiment 55 wherein the vessel        is made from one or more agent, ions, elements, enzyme,        microbial, microplasm, energy particles, precipitates,        compounds, peptides or polypeptides, plastics, polymers, and/or        composites of natural, recombinant and/or synthetic origin.        65. A method of initiating the making of vessels, perpetuating        and/or terminating a lifecycle of vessels, groupings of vessels,        packaging, and/or packaging systems that originates from        historic and/or progressively/adaptively updated and learned        data points, analyses, and of compendiums of relevant        information, data points and/or references, the method        comprising the steps of:    -   storing, analyzing, applying and/or devolving metrics and data        points regarding vessels, groups of vessels, packaging, and/or        packaging systems for vessels;    -   storing, analyzing, applying and/or devolving data points of        preferred and disparate adjacencies and groupings of more than        one vessel and/or nesting, materiality, lifecycle, groupings of        vessels and/or packaging, or packaging systems for vessels        and/or groups of vessels;    -   storing, analyzing, applying and/or devolving packaging        dynamics, interactions of and between vessels, groupings of        vessels and packaging systems in the making, storage, transport        and/or use of vessels and contents of vessels;    -   storing, analyzing, applying and/or devolving requirements of        energy(s), massing(s), spacing(s) for individual vessels and        grouping of vessels, packaging, and/or packaging systems; and    -   storing, analyzing, applying and/or devolving realized        contributions of adjacency(s), nesting(s), materiality(s),        containment methods and means, principles and practices of        conception, realization, manufacture, utility, recovery and/or        recycling necessary and desirable for optimizing designed        vessels, groupings of vessels, packaging, and/or packaging        systems, and vessel lifecycles.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity,clearness and understanding; but no unnecessary limitations are to beimplied therefrom beyond the requirements of the prior art, because suchterms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadlyconstrued. Moreover, the description and illustration of the inventionsis by way of example, and the scope of the inventions is not limited tothe exact details shown or described.

Although the foregoing detailed description of the present invention hasbeen described by reference to an exemplary embodiment, and the bestmode contemplated for carrying out the present invention has been shownand described, it will be understood that certain changes, modificationor variations may be made in embodying the above invention, and in theconstruction thereof, other than those specifically set forth herein,may be achieved by those skilled in the art without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention, and that such changes, modificationor variations are to be considered as being within the overall scope ofthe present invention. Therefore, it is contemplated to cover thepresent invention and any and all changes, modifications, variations, orequivalents that fall with in the true spirit and scope of theunderlying principles disclosed and claimed herein. Consequently, thescope of the present invention is intended to be limited only by theattached claims, all matter contained in the above description and shownin the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative andnot in a limiting sense.

Having now described the features, discoveries and principles of theinvention, the manner in which the invention is constructed and used,the characteristics of the construction, and advantageous, new anduseful results obtained; the new and useful structures, devices,elements, arrangements, parts and combinations, are set forth in theappended claims.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended tocover all of the generic and specific features of the invention hereindescribed, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as amatter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for optimizing space and/or resourceallocation for, and utilization requirements of material, packaging,storage, transport, use, reuse and/or disposal and/or collectively aproduct of same, said method comprising the steps of: determiningmaterialization of the product to minimize wasted space and/or optimizeproduct conveyance(s); and designing the product with thematerialization based upon said determining step.
 2. The method asclaimed in claim 1 wherein the product comprises a group of vessels,wherein said determining step comprises determining groupings of vesselsto minimize wasted space and/or optimize vessel conveyance(s); andwherein said designing step comprises designing individual vesselswithin the group based upon said determining step.
 3. The method asclaimed in claim 2 wherein said determining step comprises the step ofoptimizing vessel conveyance(s), and wherein said vessel conveyance(s)comprises a vessel shape.
 4. The method as claimed in claim 2 whereinsaid determining step comprises the step of optimizing vesselconveyance(s), and wherein said vessel conveyance(s) comprises a vesselpurpose.
 5. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein said vesselpurpose comprises the delivery of a conveyable substance.
 6. The methodas claimed in claim 2 wherein said determining step comprises the stepof optimizing vessel conveyance(s), and wherein said vesselconveyance(s) comprises a vessel life cycle and/or shelf life for avessel.
 7. The method as claimed in claim 6 wherein in said optimizingstep recycling, repurposing and/or disposal of the vessel is determined.8. The method as claimed in claim 7 wherein in said optimizing step apreferred material for optimizing recycling, repurposing and/or disposalof said vessel is determined.
 9. The method as claimed in claim 8wherein in said optimizing step a preferred trigger for initiating saidrecycling, repurposing and/or disposal of said vessel is determined incoordination with said vessel material.
 10. The method as claimed inclaim 9 wherein said trigger is an agent that decomposes said vesselmaterial.
 11. The method as claimed in claim 2 wherein said determiningstep comprises the step of optimizing vessel conveyance(s), and whereinsaid vessel conveyance(s) comprises a vessel contents.
 12. The method asclaimed in claim 11 wherein in said optimizing step vessel contents areenhanced, modified, contributed to and or amplified by said vessel. 13.The method as claimed in claim 12 wherein said optimizing of vesselcontents is performed on demand.
 14. The method as claimed in claim 12wherein said optimizing of vessel contents is performed in a progressivemanner.
 15. The method as claimed in claim 12 wherein said optimizing ofvessel contents is performed in a controlled and/or triggered manner.16. The method as claimed in claim 2 wherein contents of at least onevessel contribute to the determining step and wherein said determiningstep includes determining of form, function, and/or purpose of vessels,groupings of vessels, vessel packaging, and/or packaging systems. 17.The method as claimed in claim 2 wherein said determining step comprisesdefining preferred adjacency(s) of adjacent vessels within the group ofvessels.
 18. The method as claimed in claim 17 wherein said preferredadjacency(s) comprises one or more symbiotic surface(s) of adjoiningvessels' walls.
 19. The method as claimed in claim 18 wherein said oneor more symbiotic surface(s) includes inter-relating elements ofreciprocating form(s) and/or function(s).
 20. The method as claimed inclaim 19 wherein said inter-relating elements comprise a male element onthe surface of a first vessel and a female element on the surface of asecond vessel for receiving said male element of the first vessel. 21.The method as claimed in claim 19 wherein said inter-relating elementscomprise a strategically placed planar surface, portion of a planarsurface, or feature of a planar surface.
 22. The method as claimed inclaim 21 comprising a feature of a planar surface, wherein said featureis a vessel base, portion of a vessel base, sidewall, and/or top of avessel.
 23. The method as claimed in claim 17 wherein said preferredadjacency(s) are an accommodation of or for an otherwise usual andcustomary functional element of the vessel.
 24. The method as claimed inclaim 23 wherein said usual and customary functional element of thevessel is a vessel cap or a portion of a vessel portal covering.
 25. Themethod as claimed in claim 17 wherein said preferred adjacency(s)function as an element to optimize an individual vessel and/orcontributes to optimization of a grouping of vessels.
 26. The method asclaimed in claim 25 wherein said preferred adjacency(s) comprisingadjacent sidewalls, or portions of sidewalls of adjacent vessels. 27.The method as claimed in claim 17 where said determining step furthercomprises determining concomitantly adjacencies of one or more vesselsfor purposes of minimizing space between vessels and/or containers ofmultiple vessels, minimizing and/or optimizing packaging, and/orminimizing and/or optimizing packaging systems.
 28. The method asclaimed in claim 27 wherein groups of vessels, or containers of multiplevessels are positioned horizontal to one another and/or vertical to oneanother.
 29. The method as claimed in claim 17 wherein said preferredadjacency(s) comprises one or more surface features on a surface ofadjacency for enhancing the vessel, packaging of the vessel, storage ofthe vessel, and/or transport of the vessel.
 30. The method as claimed inclaim 2 wherein said determining step comprises the step of determiningspace requirements in terms of volume, mass and/or entropy of internalcontainment(s) and/or external adjacency(s) of one or more of saidindividual vessels.
 31. The method as claimed in claim 30 whereininternal containment(s) comprise the contents of the vessels.
 32. Themethod as claimed in claim 30 wherein internal containment(s) compriseone or more surface feature(s) on an internal surface of one or more ofsaid individual vessels.
 33. The method as claimed in claim 23 whereinexternal adjacency(s) comprise one or more surface feature(s) on anexternal surface of one or more of said individual vessels.
 34. Themethod as claimed in claim 2 wherein said determining step comprises thestep of advantaging concomitantly form and function of individualvessels through coordinated adjacency(s) of one or more vessels and/orcontainers of vessels.
 35. The method as claimed in claim 2 wherein saiddetermining step comprises the step of advantaging concomitantly formand function of individual vessels through coordinated adjacency(s) ofone or more planar surface, portion of a planar surface, or functionalelement of a planar surface, of one or more vessels.
 36. The method asclaimed in claim 2 wherein said determining step comprises the step ofdesigning and/or modeling packaging systems, groupings of packaging forvessels and individual vessels with preferred adjacency(s) and/orsymbiotic interrelationships, for purposes of a collective gestalt ofform, function and materiality of and for more than one vessel.
 37. Themethod as claimed in claim 2 wherein the vessel(s) are individuallysized single-use potable water bottles.
 38. The method as claimed inclaim 1 wherein the vessel(s) are of any size and purpose [box, car,bike, etc].
 39. The method as claimed in claim 2 further comprising thestep of determining a material for manufacturing the vessels based uponthe contents, intended purposes of contents, and/or vessel purpose. 40.The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the product comprises a groupof vessels, wherein said determining step comprises determining materialcharacteristics to minimize wasted space and/or optimize vesselconveyance(s); and wherein said designing step comprises designingindividual vessels within the group based upon said determining step.